However, thinking realistically with my upcoming new job and finishing school, I probably will not have time, nor the energy for sweat equity, so I am thinking I should buy and hold to build equity, as opposed to focusing on building cash flow.I am aware there may be things I have not considered - so I am humbly asking the question --- What would you do if you had access to VA, FHA and conventional loans, approx 20-30K capital, good credit and low DTI?

In addition, we want to minimize the amount of TLC-work we need to do because we want to focus our energies elsewhere.  

@Luke Elliott Schneider $1000/yr seems a little light for R&M.

However, thinking realistically with my upcoming new job and finishing school, I probably will not have time, nor the energy for sweat equity, so I am thinking I should buy and hold to build equity, as opposed to focusing on building cash flow.I am aware there may be things I have not considered - so I am humbly asking the question --- What would you do if you had access to VA, FHA and conventional loans, approx 20-30K capital, good credit and low DTI?

I am guilty over the years of drawing a line in the sand also, and in retrospect, from the viewpoint of decades later, I was wasting time, emotional energy, and relationships. 

Add a petting zoo and tractor rides with a corn maze at Halloween, a Christmas light show, barbeque/beer/concerts a few weekends during the summer, car cruise, motorcycle rally, and some functions that honor veterans.

Think about all of the time, money, and energy it takes to mail to the same person 5-7 times.  

Being young, you have the advantage of high testosterone, plenty of energy and plenty of time without all the hassles that come with a full family.  

Also sheds some light on my training, experience and history

Also they could use light updates- paint, flooring and maybe cabinets.